PolyU Launches New Glasses That Slow Progression of Short-sightedness

A research group from Polytechnic University have developed a new spectacle to control the progression of myopia, otherwise known as short-sightedness, in children and teens.

In a university media release published on Dec. 7, the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens uses ring-like structures to create an effect called ‘myopic defocus’, offering more stable vision. This is achieved through the lenses’ ability to produce a clear image on the retina while simultaneously displaying a blurred image in front of the retina.

These new spectacles are most suited for those between the ages of six and 18 while the eye is still developing, having proven to slow myopia progression in children by 60%.

Professor To Chi-ho, a member of the research team from PolyU’s optometry school says, “As high myopia could lead to sight-threatening complications…This initiative helps address the spiralling myopia problem among children, especially in markets with a relatively high ration of myopes such as Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China.”

According to a local news article, director of the glasses developing PolyU-supported start-up Jackon Leung, said that contact lenses have been made using the same optical principles, but the glasses will be more helpful for children.

“Most children can benefit from this product, because there is a restriction with contact lenses. Contact lenses cannot correct astigmatism” claims Leung .

He also added that 10 children who have been wearing these new lenses as part of the clinical trial have seen very little progression in their short-sightedness.